SACO Proposals for Moving Image and Radio Program Genre/Form Headings

2/17/09

In 2007 the Policy and Standards Division (which was then called the Cataloging Policy and Support Office) began a project to develop genre/form headings in the areas of moving images (films, television programs, and video recordings) and radio programs. Because genre/form authority records (MARC 21 tag 155) were new to LC, the division initially restricted their creation to LC staff. However, SACO participants and others were consulted on policies related to the headings through the means of discussion lists and conference presentations.

In July 2008 the Cooperative Programs Section solicited volunteers to be part of a pilot to propose genre/form headings. Two institutions were selected for the pilot: Brigham Young University and the University of Washington. They began to contribute new genre/form headings in September 2008. Since the pilot was successful, the Policy Division and the Cooperative Programs Section are together announcing that all SACO participants may now contribute proposals for new and revised genre/form headings in the areas of moving images and radio programs.

To propose new genre/form headings in the areas of moving images and radio programs, SACO participants must use the online genre/form proposal form. For all other proposals, SACO participants should continue to use the subject proposal form; that form does not include the 155 tag, and cannot be used for genre/form headings. Both of the forms are linked to SACO’s web page.

Proposals to revise existing genre/form headings for moving images and radio programs should be sent to LC using the change proposal form.

Genre/form heading proposals in areas other than moving images and radio programs are not being accepted at this time.

Questions or comments about the projects may be sent to Janis Young at jayo@loc.gov or policy@loc.gov. Questions about PCC involvement in the genre/form projects may be directed to Paul Frank in the Cooperative Programs Section at pfrank@loc.gov.